The Office Turns 25: A Look Back at the Cast
The BBC's The Office is 25 years old this month. The Ricky Gervais series, which introduced the world to a number of household names, first appeared on screens in 2001. The show followed the day-to-day lives of office employees at the Slough branch of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company, created, written, and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
Ricky Gervais: From David Brent to Global Stardom
Ricky Gervais played David Brent to critical acclaim. Two years after The Office ended, he returned with Extras, and later created Life's Too Short, An Idiot Abroad, Derek, and After Life. His Armageddon tour set a Guinness World Record for the highest gross for a single stand-up performance, grossing £1,410,000 at the Hollywood Bowl. Gervais also appeared in the Night at the Museum trilogy, Stardust, and Muppets Most Wanted.
Martin Freeman: From Tim Canterbury to Bilbo Baggins
Martin Freeman played Tim Canterbury. He starred in Ali G Indahouse, Love Actually, and won a BAFTA for his role as Dr. John Watson in Sherlock. He was cast as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit trilogy and appeared in Black Panther, Ghost Stories, and Miller's Girl.
Mackenzie Crook: Gareth Keenan to Detectorists
Mackenzie Crook played Gareth Keenan. He played Ragetti in Pirates of the Caribbean, appeared in Game of Thrones, and won a BAFTA Craft Award for writing the BBC comedy Detectorists. His latest sitcom Small Prophets received rave reviews.
Lucy Davis: Dawn Tinsley to Wonder Woman
Lucy Davis played Dawn Tinsley. She appeared in Shaun of the Dead, Wonder Woman as Etta Candy, and starred as Hilda Spellman in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She also played Surge on The Villains of Valley View.
Ewen MacIntosh: Big Keith's Legacy
Ewen MacIntosh played Keith. He appeared in Miranda, Little Britain, and the third series of After Life. He passed away at the age of 50 in 2024. His family confirmed his death in a statement, and Gervais paid tribute, calling him "an absolute original."
Ralph Ineson: From Finchy to Hollywood Villain
Ralph Ineson played Finchy. He appeared in Harry Potter, The Witch, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and voiced Galactus in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Stirling Gallacher: From Jennifer to Doctors
Stirling Gallacher played Jennifer. She is best known for playing Dr. Georgina Woodson in Doctors, winning Best On-Screen Partnership at the 2007 British Soap Awards. She also appeared in EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Casualty.
Oliver Chris: Ricky the Temp to Rivals
Oliver Chris played Ricky. He appeared in Motherland, Trying, Foundation, and currently stars as James Vereker in Rivals.
Joel Beckett: From Lee to EastEnders
Joel Beckett played Lee. He was cast as Jake Moon in EastEnders and appeared in Green Street.
